The D7 Community Garden Programme is an entrepreneurship initiative designed to improve food security and promote agriculture in the district.
The programme will involve a cohort of six (6) to ten (10) apprentices who will learn the fundamentals of farming and entrepreneurship. The apprentices will have access to a small lot (232 x 78 ft) in Long Look, where they will learn how to grow, harvest and market their produce, under the tutelage of Arona Fahie-Forbes, an expert agriculturist and seasoned entrepreneur.
The D7 Community Garden Programme is being managed by the D7 Community Garden Committee, led by Mrs. Roxane Toussaint.
Deputy Premier Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture; and Representative for the Seventh District Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley said, “We are looking to use this programme as a pilot to increase access to food, improve eating habits and general well-being, and generate a greater sense of community, from seed to table.”
“In addition to the health and cultural benefits of a community garden, the programme will stimulate economic activity, create much needed entrepreneurship opportunities for Long Look residents, and the wider Virgin Islands community.”
Apprentices must be residents of District 7 who are either unemployed or underemployed. The pilot will take place for a period of three (3) months in the first instance. Successful participants will be granted access to a plot of farm land in Paraquita Bay to further their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Interested persons can register by contacting Roxane Toussaint via email roxanetoussaint@yahoo.com and mobile 443-6161.
The programme’s official launch will take place once apprentices are selected. The launch will broadcast LIVE on Facebook on the District 7 United group page -www.facebook.com/groups/District7United. Follow the Facebook group for more updates.
The D7 Community Garden Programme is in line with the Government of the Virgin Islands’ vision for Agriculture, which contributes to the economic growth, social well-being and protection of the natural environment in the Territory.